The Hivemind Podcast

Whitney Shindelar
  • 5.0 (14)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Hivemind Podcast brings together the collective wisdom of travel advisors, supplier partners, and destination experts to make you feel more confident, prepared, and connected. Each episode delivers practical insights you can put to work right away — from understanding which hotels best fit which clients, to breaking down the nuances of a destination, to sharing pro tips that help you save time and streamline your business inside The Hive platform. Think of it as your shortcut to the knowledge that builds trust with clients and helps your business grow. Learn more at thehive.travel/podcast

  1. 24 The Essentials: Dominican Republic

    2D AGO

    24 The Essentials: Dominican Republic

    The Dominican Republic offers far more range and nuance than many travel advisors initially consider. Whitney sits down with Sergio Taveras, Founder of Bonvidó, a Dominican Republic-based DMC, to explore how the country’s regions differ dramatically in landscape, pace, and ideal client fit. From the 500-year-old colonial streets and evolving gastronomy scene of Santo Domingo to the adventure-forward North Coast and the villa-rich enclaves of Punta Cana and Casa de Campo, Sergio shares what actually shapes a well-matched itinerary. They also explore seasonality, sargassum patterns, golf culture, boating logistics, and how to confidently position multi-generational and villa stays. The conversation centers on one key principle: the Dominican Republic is not a single-resort destination, it’s a multi-region opportunity when positioned intentionally. Travel advisors will leave with a clearer framework for aligning the right client with the right region, and designing Dominican Republic itineraries that extend well beyond the resort gates.

    54 min
  2. 23 The Essentials: Bordeaux, France

    FEB 19

    23 The Essentials: Bordeaux, France

    Bordeaux is one of France's most layered and rewarding regions, but it takes more than a love of wine to plan it well. France specialist Livy Leroy, General Manager of Essentially French, unpacks what travel advisors actually need to know to design a Bordeaux itinerary that goes beyond the obvious. She walks through how seasonality shapes the experience, why harvest season is a category of its own, and how to read a client's relationship with wine before you start building their trip. She also covers the geography of the appellations, how purchasing wine actually works, and the conversations that help you decide between city center and countryside accommodations. Travel advisors will come away with a clear framework for personalizing a Bordeaux itinerary, whether the client is a curious first-timer or a serious collector. Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-bordeaux-france

    47 min
  3. 22 The Essentials: Dolomites, Italy

    FEB 12

    22 The Essentials: Dolomites, Italy

    The Dolomites are one of Italy’s most visually striking regions, but they require far more strategic planning than many travel advisors expect. In this episode, Italy specialist and Travel Advisor Karen Hattaway shares firsthand insight into how seasonality, elevation, and geography shape the client experience in the Dolomites. She explains when to send clients for summer hiking versus winter snow, which months to avoid entirely, and why July and August often work against the experience. The conversation also breaks down the key valleys, comparing well-known hubs like Cortina and Ortisei with more authentic alternatives such as Val di Fassa and Alta Badia. Travel Advisors will gain practical guidance on logistics, transportation, wellness culture, and client fit so they can confidently design Dolomites itineraries that feel intentional rather than overwhelming. Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-dolomites-italy

    45 min
  4. 21 The Essentials: San Sebastian, Spain

    FEB 5

    21 The Essentials: San Sebastian, Spain

    San Sebastian, Spain sits at the intersection of world-class food, coastal beauty, and deeply rooted Basque culture, making it one of northern Spain’s most compelling destinations for well-rounded itineraries. Juan Gonzalez, a destination expert with personal ties to the Basque Country, shares insights in this episode on when to visit San Sebastian, how long to stay, and how to balance food-focused experiences with hiking, art, and day trips into France and nearby wine regions. He compares San Sebastian with nearby Bilbao, including budget, hotel infrastructure, and flight access. Tune in for more clarity on matching client travel style, pace, and priorities to visiting San Sebastian.  Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-san-sebastian-spain

    41 min
  5. 20 The Essentials: Sicily, Italy

    JAN 29

    20 The Essentials: Sicily, Italy

    Travel Advisors who see Sicily as a  multi-region destination, not a single stop, know that  each area offers a distinct rhythm, culture, and client fit. In this episode, Alberto Buzzanca, Founder of Authenticus Italy, shares a practical framework for understanding how Sicily truly works on the ground. The conversation moves from Palermo’s layered history and food culture to Taormina’s resort appeal, Mount Etna’s wine and outdoor experiences, and the slower, Baroque character of Syracuse and the south. Alberto breaks down how logistics, driving routes, seasonality, and heat shape itineraries as much as hotels do. Walk away from this conversation  with a clear lens for matching Sicily’s regions to your client priorities, timelines, and travel styles. Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-sicily-italy

    59 min
  6. 19 The Stay Guide: Curacao, Caribbean Island

    JAN 22

    19 The Stay Guide: Curacao, Caribbean Island

    The southern Caribbean island of Curaçao is a destination of contrasts, from lively beach scenes to quiet, design-forward hideaways, and knowing where to place clients makes all the difference. Tune in for firsthand insights from  Travel Advisors Lee Friedman and Lauren Tilley sharing notes from site inspections and personal stays across the island. They break down five different properties, from high-energy beachfront resorts to intimate boutique hotels. They talk about pros and cons of each location, noise levels at each property, room configurations, and which client profiles will thrive where. Walk away with a clear, practical framework for helping your clients choose the right Curaçao hotel. Links and Resources (Featured Hotels): Lion’s Dive Beach Resort - https://www.lionsdive.com/ Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites - https://www.scubalodge.com/ The Kontiki - https://thekontiki.com/ Avila Beach Hotel - https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/ Baoase Luxury Resort - https://baoase.com/

    1h 2m
  7. 18 The Essentials: Mexico City, Mexico

    JAN 15

    18 The Essentials: Mexico City, Mexico

    Mexico City is a destination of contrasts; where ancient history, modern culture, and world class food coexist across a city that rewards curiosity and time. In this episode, Cintli Chacon, General Manager of Across Mexico, shares insider insights on when to visit, how long to stay, and how to think about neighborhoods, museums, and movement across this sprawling capital. From Dia de los Muertos and Formula One weekends to walking based itineraries, food driven exploration, and neighborhood fit, Chintli  will help travel advisors get a sense of  how to pace a Mexico City visit without overwhelming clients. Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-essentials-mexico-city

    56 min
  8. 17 The Stay Guide: Los Cabos, Mexico

    JAN 8

    17 The Stay Guide: Los Cabos, Mexico

    Los Cabos continues to redefine what adults-only, all-inclusive luxury can look like, with properties that vary dramatically in tone, service, and guest experience. Travel Advisors Merceades Gonzalez of Go & Wonder and Alexis Pettway of AP Travel Services share firsthand insights from an intensive self-FAM where they toured 13 resorts in just six days. This episode  focuses on four standout adults-only all-inclusives: Marquis Los Cabos, Paradisus Los Cabos, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, and Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. They unpack how atmosphere, dining depth, service style, and resort scale impact client satisfaction. Tune in for clarity on how to position each property based on client priorities like tranquility, culinary ambition, butler service, and overall resort variety. Learn more: https://www.thehive.travel/podcast-posts/the-stay-guide-los-cabos-mexico LOS CABOS, MEXICO HOTELS MENTIONED: Marquis Los Cabos - https://www.marquisloscabos.com/ Paradisus Los Cabos - https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexico/los-cabos/paradisus-los-cabos Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos - https://loscabosboutique.grandvelas.com/ Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos - https://www.leblancsparesorts.com/

    1h 4m
See All (25)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Hivemind Podcast brings together the collective wisdom of travel advisors, supplier partners, and destination experts to make you feel more confident, prepared, and connected. Each episode delivers practical insights you can put to work right away — from understanding which hotels best fit which clients, to breaking down the nuances of a destination, to sharing pro tips that help you save time and streamline your business inside The Hive platform. Think of it as your shortcut to the knowledge that builds trust with clients and helps your business grow. Learn more at thehive.travel/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Whitney Shindelar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Whitney Shindelar
  • Show Website
    The Hivemind Podcast

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